Question

How does the resolving power of a microscope change when
(i) the diameter of the objective lens is decreased?
(ii) the wavelength of the incident light is increased ?
Justify your answer in each case.

Answer 1

The resolving power of a microscope is given by the relation

`"RP" = 1/d_"min" = (2"n" sin beta)/(1.22 lambda)`

 

(i) When the diameter of the objective lens is decreased β decreases so resolving power decreases.

(ii) When the wavelength of the incident light is increased resolving power decreases.